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Peter
Gene Hernandez was born on October 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Peter
Hernandez and Bernadette San Pedro Bayot. His father, of Puerto Rican and
Jewish descent, and his mother, of Filipino and Spanish heritage, were both
active in the music world. It was no surprise, then, that Bruno – as his
father affectionately called him from a young age due to his resemblance to
wrestler Bruno Sammartino – found his way to the stage early on. At the age
of three, he began performing as an Elvis impersonator in his family’s band,
The Love Notes. His charisma and natural flair quickly made him a local
sensation in Waikiki, where he performed five nights a week.
Bruno grew up in a house filled with music. His mother sang and danced, his
father played percussion, and his siblings were musically active as well. He
taught himself to play guitar, piano, drums, and bass, and his love for
artists like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Jimi Hendrix shaped his
musical identity. Despite a difficult childhood — his parents divorced when
he was twelve, and he spent some time living in impoverished conditions with
his father and brother — he remained determined to make music his life.
After graduating from President Theodore Roosevelt High School in 2003,
Bruno moved to Los Angeles to pursue his musical dreams. The transition from
sunny Hawaii to the tough reality of LA wasn’t easy. He struggled with
rejection, worked as an inexperienced DJ, and tried to find his way in an
industry that wanted to label him as a Latin artist. That’s why he chose the
stage name Bruno Mars — “Mars” because he felt “like he was from another
planet.”
In 2004, he signed a contract with Motown Records, though it led to little
success. Still, it was a pivotal moment, as it was through Motown that he met
Philip Lawrence. Together with Ari Levine, they formed the production team
The Smeezingtons. They began writing songs for other artists, including “Long
Distance” for Brandy, “Right Round” for Flo Rida, and “Wavin’ Flag” for
K’Naan. Bruno’s voice stood out on the hits “Nothin’ on You” by B.o.B and
“Billionaire” by Travie McCoy, marking his first steps as a solo
artist.
In 2010, he released his first EP, It’s Better If You Don’t Understand,
followed by his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans. The first single, “Just
the Way You Are,” became a worldwide hit and earned him his first Grammy
Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Other popular tracks from the
album included “Grenade” (six weeks at number one on the EURO 200), “The Lazy
Song,” “Marry You,” and “Count on Me.” His style — a blend of pop, R&B,
reggae, and soul — stood out for its retro vibe and heartfelt lyrics.
Bruno’s second album, Unorthodox Jukebox, was released in December 2012. It
showcased a more mature and experimental side of him, with hit singles like
“Locked Out of Heaven,” “When I Was Your Man,” “Treasure,” and “Gorilla.” The
album was praised for its versatility and earned him another Grammy, this
time for Best Pop Vocal Album.
By the end of 2012, Bruno Mars had become a global superstar. His live
performances were lauded for their energy and showmanship, and he was known
as one of the few artists who could effortlessly blend multiple genres. In
2013, Bruno embarked on his world tour, the Moonshine Jungle Tour. With his
signature flair and energetic performances, he filled venues around the
globe, including the Sportpaleis in Antwerp and the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam.
During this period, he also released the singles “Young Girls,” “Gorilla,”
and “Moonshine,” further underlining his versatility as an artist.
In 2014, he teamed up with Mark Ronson for the single “Uptown Funk,” a
funky explosion that took the world by storm. The track became a cultural
phenomenon, topped the charts for weeks, and won multiple Grammy Awards,
including Record of the Year. The video, with its retro style and dance
moves, became iconic and cemented Bruno’s status as a true entertainer.
After this mega hit, Bruno returned to the studio to work on his third
album, 24K Magic, released in 2016. The title track was a tribute to 1990s
R&B and funk, featuring shimmering synthesizers and an irresistible
groove. The album also spawned hits like “That’s What I Like,” “Versace on
the Floor,” and a remix of “Finesse” featuring Cardi B. “That’s What I Like”
became one of his biggest successes and earned the Grammy for Song of the
Year, among others. At the 60th Grammy Awards in 2018, Bruno was the night’s
big winner: he took home all six categories in which he was nominated,
including Album of the Year and Record of the Year.
His 24K Magic World Tour, which ran from 2017 to 2018, was a spectacle of lights,
dance, and music. With over 200 shows worldwide and millions of tickets sold,
Bruno proved he belongs among the very top live performers. His shows were
tight, stylish, and steeped in nostalgia—yet always with a modern
twist.
In 2021, Bruno Mars surprised the world again by forming the duo Silk Sonic
with Anderson .Paak. Their debut album, An Evening with Silk Sonic, was a
love letter to 1970s soul and R&B. The first single, “Leave the Door
Open,” became an instant classic and won several Grammys, including Record of
the Year and Best R&B Song. Other tracks like “Skate” and “Smokin Out the
Window” confirmed the project’s success, appealing to both critics and
fans.
In the years that followed, Bruno remained active, though he slowed down on
solo releases. In 2024, however, he returned to the spotlight with two
high-profile collaborations. He released the song “Die with a Smile” with
Lady Gaga — a powerful ballad that drew global acclaim and won the Grammy for
Best Pop Duo Performance. Later that year, he followed up with “Apt.,” a duet
with Rosé from BLACKPINK, which also became a hit and expanded his reach to a
younger audience. The track spent 21 weeks at the top of the EURO 200.
What makes Bruno Mars unique is his ability to transcend genres while
staying true to his roots. His music is a melting pot of influences — from
Motown to hip-hop, from funk to pop — and his lyrics are often personal,
romantic, and full of charm. He’s a master at blending nostalgia with
modernity, and his style — sharp suit, sunglasses, and a touch of flair — has
become iconic.
Privately, Bruno remains relatively reserved. Since 2011, he has been in a
relationship with model Jessica Caban. Although he mostly keeps their
relationship out of the limelight, he’s often seen with her on red carpets
and at events. His bond with Hawaii remains strong; he supports local
initiatives and has set up a scholarship fund for young musicians through the
GRAMMY Foundation.
Bruno Mars is considered one of the most influential artists of his
generation. With more than eleven Grammy Awards, dozens of hits, and millions
of albums sold, he’s built an impressive musical legacy. But more
importantly, he continues to surprise, inspire, and entertain — with a smile,
a dance move, and a voice that transcends generations. |
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